Babush Monserrate, the lone MLA of the United Goans Democratic Party who is backing the Digambar Kamat Government in Goa, was on Wednesday arrested and charged with attempted murder after he ransacked the state’s police headquarters along with his supporters on Tuesday night.More than 45 police personnel, including nearly 25 policewomen, were badly injured in the attack. Monserrate was reportedly protesting against the arrest of his supporters, who were picked up for creating trouble earlier in the day.Later in the night, policemen decided to take matters in their own hands and retaliate against Monserrate, Goa’s biggest moneylender and a known strongman of the state. A large police posse descended on Monserrate’s well-fortified residence and smashed his collection of imported cars and damaged furniture.Monserrate’s wife Jennifer, a political activist herself, and other relatives were thrashed as well. Both the UGDP leader and Jennifer were later rounded up.On Wednesday, the police formally charged Monseratte and Panaji Mayor Tony Rodrigues, who accompanied him, with attempt to murder, attack on the police headquarters to release detainees and assault on policemen who searched the Monserrate residence. They believe the attack on the police headquarters was preplanned as the mob was equipped with stones. Four others were also arrested. Holding a press conference with Chief Minister Kamat and Home Minister Ram Naik, Director General of Police Brijendra Singh Brar said: “More arrests are likely.”Notwithstanding the threat of Monserrate withdrawing support to his government, which hangs by a thread, Kamat promised to take a tough stand against him. “This government will not allow anyone to take the law into their hands,” he said. “The police force is furious and we have given them a free hand to deal with the issue as it might affect their morale,” the Chief Minister told The Indian Express. Before addressing the press conference, Kamat held an emergency meeting with Home Minister Naik, Chief Secretary J P Singh, DGP Brar and senior police officials.Police say Monserrate was accompanied by more than 1,200 supporters, equipped with stones, when he attacked the police station. Police had to use teargas and fire in the air to disperse the mob. Police presented more then 20 woman constables injured in the stone-pelting before the press.For their part, when the police attacked Monserrate’s house in retaliation, they prevented local journalists from taking pictures. Cameras of television crews were damaged by policemen.However, police chief Brar claimed his men acted with complete restraint. Refusing to give details, he said he was busy with the injured policemen admitted in hospital. The BJP is already trying to cash in on the situation. BJP leader Manohar Parrikar, who had backed the government action against Monserrate on Tuesday, today reversed his stand and offered his support to Monserrate to bring down the Kamat Government.
